VILAS COUNTY - The pristine lakes draw a lot of scientists to the Northwoods for research.

This includes a lot students wanting to become scientists. 30 students from a UW Madison limnology class came to the Northwoods this weekend to study its lakes and bogs.

"They're so interesting. They're always changing. There is always something more to learn. Science is never done," said senior Kim Christianson.

Interim Director of the UW Trout Lake Station Susan Knight led student on a hike to a bog near Crystal Lake.

"It's often, for a lot of students, kind of eye-opening. They've never been to a bog like this before," said Knight.The students especially liked learning about the plants.

"I think my favorite thing we learned about was probably the carnivorous plants. I have very little background in plants in general but also carnivorous plants or anything like that. So hearing about how they function and everything was really interesting," said senior Alex Bentz.

They also took core samples of peat while they were out at the bog. It gave the students an opportunity to see the different layers of soil beneath the bog.

"Doing the fieldwork, going down and actually penetrating the peat, it was nice to see just what scientists do in the field. Hands-on experience is what I love," said sophomore Dane Fleck.

Knight encourages people to get out and explore the bogs that are right in people's backyards.

"It's something that's kind of hidden. People don't often like to go to bogs because they think they're going to fall in or they're too squishy or whatever, but it's a really different habitat that's right in our own backyard. It's a great alternative to really see what they're like," Knight said.

MADISON - The chairman of the Wisconsin Elections Commission is urging the U.S. Supreme Court to rule quickly in a challenge to how the state's political boundaries were drawn following redistricting in 2011.

Commission Chairman Mark Thomsen said Tuesday that the state wants a fast decision following next week's oral arguments so maps for upcoming elections next year will be in place as soon as possible. The court is being asked by Democratic voters to overturn Republican-drawn legislative district maps. The Democrats argue the maps are unconstitutional and give Republicans an unfair advantage.

MADISON - Gov. Scott Walker has selected a former legislator to run the state Department of Natural Resources.

Walker's office announced Monday that he has chosen former Republican state Rep. Dan Meyer to serve as DNR secretary. He replaces Cathy Stepp, who resigned in August to take a position in President Donald Trump's administration.

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